A state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility in Sheffield hosted an exclusive industry event on 13th June that showcased the very latest in exoskeleton technology, by the very people that the technology is designed to help.

STEPS Rehabilitation is a new, architecturally ground-breaking facility that provides highly specialist intensive and ongoing rehabilitation for people recovering from neurological and multiple trauma injuries. It is one of only a small number of centres in the UK that provides this type of rehabilitation.

The event was a rare occasion to watch 3 exoskeletons models currently available in the UK being demonstrated. The REX, ReWalk 6.0 and Ekso GT were demonstrated to a group of leading industry medical practitioners – all of whom have an interest in learning more about the technology and the benefits they bring to patients.

Jules Leahy, a Founder and Director of STEPS said “We pride ourselves on offering clients access to innovative technology combined with the support and expertise of specialist rehabilitation team. Having access to exoskeleton technology as early as possible in the rehabilitation process is hugely beneficial to clients both physically and emotionally. The way the body re-learns movement is by lots of repetition. If we can put somebody in one of these walking suits its less physically demanding for therapists too.”

Simon Kindleyside and Dale Messenger took centre stage to demonstrate how they operated the Exoskeletons and explained the incredible positive impact that the suits have had on their lives.

Simon was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in 2013 which left him paralysed from the waist down. Earlier this year he became the first paralysed man to walk the London Marathon route. He demonstrated the REX and ReWalk.6 exoskeletons and explained to delegates how use of the exoskeletons has transformed his life.

“It’s made a dramatic change” he explained. “This technology has enabled me to accomplish things that I never dreamt possible after I became paralysed. I’m on a mission to share my experiences of this incredible technology, not just with professionals working with paralysed people, but to inspire others in the same position as me to believe that anything is possible!”

The event was co-ordinated by Stewarts, a law firm that acts for clients who have sustained serious life-changing injuries. Stewarts represented Dale in his case against the Ministry of Defence and secured compensation for the purchase and replacement of an Ekso. Ben Rogers, a partner at the firm said: “I thought that the day was a great success in raising awareness of the pioneering exoskeleton technology. We at Stewarts have found it can make such a difference to our seriously injured clients’ lives, getting them back up on their feet again.”

About Steps Rehabilitation 

STEPS Rehabilitation is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility that opened in Sheffield in May 2017. It is one of only a small number of centres in the UK that provides intensive and ongoing rehabilitation for people recovering from neurological conditions, stroke, spinal cord injuries, acquired brain injuries, orthopedic and other complex injuries.

Their philosophy is to use the latest advances in rehabilitation knowledge and technology to enable people to reach their full potential.

http://www.stepsrehabilitation.co.uk

About Stewarts 

Stewarts is the UK’s leading litigation-only law firm with offices in London and Leeds. The firm has more than 340 staff, including over 60 partners. Stewarts acts for both corporate and individual clients, with specialist expertise focusing on serious injury in aviation, clinical negligence, international injury and personal injury cases. Any reference to Stewarts means Stewarts Law LLP.

More information can be found at: https://www.stewartslaw.com/